Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

The F-35 is the world's premier 5th-generation multi-role stealth fighter, built around unparalleled sensor fusion and network-centric warfare capabilities. Its AN/APG-81 AESA radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS) provide a 360-degree view of the battlespace. Available in three variants (Conventional F-35A, STOVL F-35B, and carrier-based F-35C), it serves as a force multiplier, sharing data with allied platforms. While its high acquisition cost is a point of contention, its role as a flying intelligence node and its continuous modernization through Block upgrades justify its top ranking for overall capability and future-proofing.